Simpson in tribute to ‘incredible’ United fans
PAUL Simpson believes fan power played a huge role in Carlisle’s dramatic last-gasp victory over Northampton.
Jordan Gibson’s 95th-minute penalty, after Fraser Horshall handled in the box, stunned promotion-seeking Northampton after Tobi Sho-Silva’s opener had been cancelled out by Paul Lewis at Brunton Park.
Simpson, who has steered the sinking Cumbrian ship eight points clear of danger after four wins on the bounce, said: “The supporters have been brilliant, haven’t they?
“They have come out of hiding and come and supported us. The players have stepped up and taken the shackles off and they’re playing well.
“It was brilliant, what an incredible atmosphere. Then to get a last-minute winner just sends everyone home happy.”
Gibson’s penalty maintained Simpson’s perfect start since returning to Carlisle.
It put the seal on a crazy last 16 minutes at Brunton Park as Sho-Silva put the hosts ahead before Lewis levelled for the visitors in the 79th minute.
Then Horsfall handled in the box in stoppage time and Gibson stepped up and calmly slotted home from 12 yards.
The game was devoid of any real quality for the first 74 minutes.
But it sprung into life as Sho-Silva struck with his first touch after coming off the substitutes’ bench.
The Cobblers thought they had rescued a point when Lewis headed home with only 11 minutes to go.
However, the visitors’ hearts were broken by Gibson’s last-gasp spot-kick, preventing them from closing the gap to league leaders
Forest Green Rovers.
Cobblers boss Jon Brady was unhappy with the decision that led to Horsfall’s game-defining handball.
He said: “First and foremost it shouldn’t be a foul on that side. It’s not a free-kick in the first place and then Fraser unfortunately handles it. It’s not a foul.”
He added: “By the stats you can see we dominated all over the pitch.
“We fought our way back into the game so to lose it like that is really tough.
“We pushed to try to get the next one, but then the linesman gives a foul that isn’t a foul.”